The Andorians are the sentient species from the world of Andoria. The Andorians are composed of two sub-species; the primary sub-species is simply known by the same species name, and is humanoid, blue-skinned, possessing antenae and white hair. The smaller sub-species is known as the Aenar, and is white-skinned, blind, and possesses very powerful telepathic capabilities. The Andorians cover most of the planet, and regarded the Aenar as nothing more than myths until the early 22nd Century, when they re-established contact with the subterrestrial Aenar, who live in the arctic wastelands of the extreme north and number only in the thousands.
The Andorian species is unique in that is is composed of four sexes, known in Andorii, the primary Andorian language, as chans, thaans, zhens, and shens. Chans and thaans are roughly comparable in reproductive function and appearance to the male sex, while the latter two are roughly comparable to the female sex.
The Andorian state is the Andorian Empire, one of the founding Federation Member States.
Biology
Andorians are blue-skinned humanoids that evolved on an icy homeworld, but are capable of living in a wide range of climates. (ENT: "The Aenar")
The average height for an Andorian male is 2.3 meters, and a female is 1.8 meters. The average weight for a male is 70 kilograms, and a female 45 kg. The average body temperature of an Andorian is 102 °F, pulse rate is 110, and respiration of 28. The average life expectancy for a male Andorian is 129 years, while the average for a female is 134.
The Andorian body also has a limited exoskeleton, as well as other insectoid characteristics. (Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual)
- See also: Andorian Genders
Antennae
One of the most noted features Andorians have are their antennae. While their eyes are color-blind, their antennae contain a complex network of wavelength sensitive cones, which their brain combines adding color to their vision. Andorian vision can be described as quadroscopic, having four individual light-receptive organs (two eyes and two antennae) which gives them superior depth perception to many species. (Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual)
Antennae contain some brain tissue at their base, and most damage is done safely above this area. If a portion of antennae were cut off, it would take several months to grow back, during which time the Andorian would suffer loss of balance, among other symptoms. (Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual, ENT: "United")
Sub-Species
Culture
Andorians seemed to have the belief that within society there is a need for productive members and those that suffer from disabilities such as being blind are a burden. Such individuals are cared for little and are only tolerated for what few capabilties they do have such as breeding. This somewhat mirrors both Klingon and Romulan cultures who believe that disability means death in a sense which seems a common factor within 'warrior races'. (Star Trek novel: Eye of the Beholder)
Duels regarding honor are dealth with through the Ushaan trial of combat which has many rules.
One tradition within Andorian society is Kochek.
Nutrition
Foods
- Akharrad
- Alardi partinna
- Andorian ale
- Andorian cabbage soup
- Andorian redbat
- Andorian spice bread
- Andorian tuber root
- Dreaak
- Duuploni
- Gristhera
- Gredlahr
- Honar
- Kaizis sprouts
- Necreena
- Skopar
- Sohla t'pocowan
- Yutann
Drink
- See also: Andorian languages
Connections
- Andorian article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- The Andor Files A listing of almost every mention (canon and non) of Andorians